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LTL SHIPPING CARRIERS COME TO YOU

LTL stands for "Less Than Truckload" and describes freight shipments that are too big for parcel carriers like the US Postal Service. uShip is here to help you get what you want: the best freight shipping company at the best rate. We’ll help you figure out how to ship freight, help you get the best LTL shipping rates, and give you some tips along the way. You can always contact us directly and we will follow up with you directly.

uShip’s marketplace makes it easy to find the best shipping options for your needs and your budget. Create your listingwith your needs and be as detailed as possible. After your listing is complete, you’ll receive a few direct quotes. You can accept one of those rates or you can take your freight shipment to auction. There, you’ll get quotes from LTL transport specialists as they bid for your business. Your LTL freight carrier will combine your shipment with other LTL shipments to maximize efficiency and reduce costs. The freight is then transported via a hub system, where it is transferred between trucks and freight centers until it reaches its ultimate destination.

WHAT IS LTL SHIPPING

Less than truckload (LTL) freight shipping is the transportation of small loads or freight that only fill a portion of a truck or trailer. They generally weigh between 200 and 10,000 lbs but can vary depending on the guidelines of your carrier. Since most freight trailers are 8’ – 8.5’ wide, 12.5’ – 13.5’ high, and 40’ – 53’ long, carriers share the space with multiple LTL shipments within a single truck.

HOW MUCH DOES LTL FREIGHT COST TO SHIP?

Carriers take into account several factors when determining the final cost of an LTL freight shipment. They primarily include the following:

Type of freight:The type of freight determined if special equipment or handling is needed.

Keep in mind that the cost of LTL freight shipping is considerably cheaper than shipping big items via a parcel carrier. For an inside look at what it costs to ship LTL freight, visit our cost to ship LTL freight page tool. There, you will be able to view LTL freight shipping transactions completed through uShip and get a better idea of what your shipment may cost.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING LTL SHIPPING

LTL shipping reduces costs – No matter the carrier, LTL freight is cheaper to transport due to the shipping processes it goes through. Since the weight is relatively low, freight can be loaded onto a trailer with multiple shipments and costs are divided based on the portion of the trailer used.

LTL shipping minimizes emissions – Rather than a truck carrying below its capacity, LTL allows multiple shipments to fill a trailer and travel with full capacity. This process reduces the amount of trucks on the road and creates fewer emissions.

LTL shipping improves security – Since packages are handled more frequently with increased stops, freight shippers are encouraged to load LTL freight onto sturdy pallets and into durable crates. These protect the shipment from wear, other freight, and loss of individual packages.

LTL shipping provides more services – Options not readily available with alternate shipping methods, LTL offers many services including notifications, inside pick-up and delivery, lift gate, special handling, and more.

LTL shipping is trackable – Many carriers will provide real-time tracking that include stop-offs, pick-ups, and delivery.

PREPARING LTL SHIPMENTS

LTL freight is more susceptible to damage since it is handled and transferred repeatedly. If you are shipping your commercial goods as LTL freight, it should be consolidated into one large, palletized shipment. Minimizing the number of individual packages reduces handling time and decreases the likelihood of damage.

Properly load and secure goods onto pallets to protect the shipment during transportation.

Stack goods with the heaviest items on the bottom and refrain from any overhang.

Create and place a label on each pallet. Make sure the complete address information, postal codes of the shipper and consignee, and phone numbers are present and visible.

If shipping a piece of machinery or an auto or boat part, fully crate the item to be shipped.

BENEFITS OF CHOOSING LTL SHIPPING

LTL shipping is best for businesses who do not require the use of an entire trailer and businesses that have freight that weighs under 10,000 lbs. Other questions to keep in mind when deciding on an LTL freight carrier are:

Am I, or an agent, available to load and unload the shipment?

Can I consolidate and palletize my shipment?

Am I comfortable sharing trailer space with other freight shipments?

Do I understand the timeline restrictions of LTL freight?

USING USHIP TO SHIP LTL FREIGHT

1 | CREATE YOUR LTL SHIPMENT LISTING

First, you’ll want to consider your time frame and needs for your shipment. Goods are typically placed on pallets, known as "palletization," and transported by a freight carrier. You’ll want to know what you’re shipping, whether it’s new or used commercial goods, and the weight and dimensions of your pallet. A standard pallet is 40 inches by 48 inches. It will also help to know if your LTL shipment requires a lift gate at pick up or delivery. Include any possible restrictions for locations, including if pick up or delivery is in a residential area.

2 | uShip LTL Instant Rates

Book your LTL Instant Rates shipment in 6 easy steps:

1. Create Your Listing: Choose a pallet, crate, box, or other item describing your packaging. Then, enter the dimensions including packaging in your measurements. Include the weight. We recommend using a scale for accuracy. Enter your preferred pick up date. We find it's best to book before 11:00 am for same day pick up. Next, enter your origin zip code and pick up location type. Then do the same for desitination zip code and location type. Be sure to select the most specific location type possible. Finally, select the shipping services you'll need for both pick up and delivery. For example, do they have a dock, forklift or do they need a lift-gate service?

2. Pricing: uShip gives your rates from over 30 national and regional LTL shipping companies in a matter of seconds. Services include consolidated, standard, and guaranteed. Sort by price, transit time, or feedback rating from past uShip customers. When you click on a carrier, you're taken to their profile where you can see rules, tariffs, and feedback from other businesses who have used this carrier. Check out their on time rating and damage percentages as well. Select the rate and carrier you prefer.

3. Bill of Lading: The Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in the shipping process. Include the names, contact information, and email addresses for the people at both ends of the shipment. That way, you'll both receive the Bill of Lading via email at the time of booking. Note that the origin and destination city can be changed, as long as the zip code is correct. If the zip code changes, this will potentially change the rate, and the shipment may need to be re-quoted. The Bill of Lading includes the pick up time and instructions. At least a 3 hour pick up time frame is required. Also, include things like bay number at the loading dock. The Bill of Lading also includes shipment contents. Be specific and include details where possible. Reference numbers help ensure easy pick up and delivery.

4. Insurance and Checkout: Here, you'll see a breakdown of shipping costs, as well as an option to purchas uShip Commercial Cargo Insurance for a small cost. Carrier liability insurance usually only covers cents on the pound, so it's smart to consider extra coverage. Once you've made your insurance selection and entered payment information, select "Complete Booking."

5. Booking Confirmation: You can review your Bill of Lading for accuracy, and print it if you like. The first page includes tracking information as well as helpful tips for ensuring a successful shipment.

6. Confirmation Email: This includes booking confirmation and the pick up number from your carrier. If you need to reschedule, or check a driver's ETA, have this number handy when calling the carrier.

3 | LTL Shipments Through the uShip Marketplace

After you create your shipment listing, you’ll receive quotes from LTL shipping companies as they compete for your business. You are also able to ask questions and talk directly to the carriers while maintaining your privacy - we encourage you to check out their LTL carrier profiles as well.

Each transporter on uShip has their own carrier profile with their transport history, safety records and customer rated feedback. Review these profiles to get a good sense of the LTL carrier bidding on your shipment. Most transporters have a photo of their equipment on their profile as well as any certifications or licensing they obtain. Looking into profiles and talking with the carriers will help you feel confident you’re choosing the best LTL transport company for your job.

Once you’ve selected the LTL freight delivery service that’s best for you, contact them directly with any concerns, additional details or questions you may have. Share any third-party contact information that can make your shipment run smoothly. While your LTL carrier will have a copy of the bill of lading, it’s a good idea to print out your own copy as well. Have payment completed at the agreed upon time and let us know if you run into any issues. We’re here to help before, during, and after your LTL shipment.